Cassette adapter and method of installation

ABSTRACT

A cassette adapter for the installation of a cassette in a patch panel of a data rack including a base configured to accept the cassette, a front frame connected to a distal end of the base, at least one latch connected to the base, and a mounting portion configured to mount the cassette adapter to the panel. The cassette adapter being configured to retain the cassette within the cassette adapter and connect the cassette to the patch panel in a removable fashion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/016,019, filed Jun. 22, 2018, the subject matter of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cassette adapter for attachingcassettes in a patch panel of a rack having connection characteristicdifferent from the patch panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pre-terminated copper or fiber-optic cable cassettes are utilized in theinstallation of cables to patch panels within a data rack. Patch panelshave typically been designed to accommodate a particular cassetteconfiguration as a system. Cassettes designed to connect to a patchpanel typically do not directly attach to differently configured patchpanel. Further, earlier iterations of cassettes provide for a limitednumber of connections within a cassette and patch panel. Many users ofdata centers are looking to transition to smaller Local Connectoradapters (“LC adapters”) or Multi-fiber Push-on/Pull-off adapters (“MPOadapters”) to increase the density within a patch panel to accommodatedemand for high bandwidth. Existing high-density cassettes are notconfigured to be interchangeable with older or differently configuredpatch panels. Further, patch panels configured for low density cassettesare not typically configured to accept a direct connection withhigh-density cassettes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a cassette adapter for installation of acassette in a patch panel, the cassette adapter including a baseconfigured to accept the cassette, a front frame connected to a distalend of the base, at least one latch connected to the base, and amounting portion configured to mount the cassette adapter to the patchpanel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one example of a cassette adapterattached to one example of a patch panel according to the teachings ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2A depicts a top perspective view of a front insert of the cassetteadapter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B depicts an underside perspective view of the front insert of thecassette adapter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A depicts a top perspective view of a rear insert of the cassetteadapter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B depicts an underside perspective view of the rear insert of thecassette adapter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the rear insert of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 5A depicts a top perspective view of the cassette adapter of FIG.1.

FIG. 5B depicts an underside perspective view of the cassette adapter ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6A depicts a top isometric view of an example cassette.

FIG. 6B depicts a bottom isometric view of the cassette of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 depicts the rear insert of FIG. 5A with a pair of cassettes ofFIG. 6A installed therein.

FIG. 8 depicts the patch panel of FIG. 1 and the front insert of FIG. 2Awith attachment fasteners.

FIG. 9 depicts the patch panel and cassette adapter of FIG. 1 with apair of cassettes of FIG. 6A installed therein.

FIG. 10 depicts another example patch panel with two installed cassetteadapters of FIG. 1 with a pair of cassettes of FIG. 6A installed thereinto each cassette adapter.

FIG. 11 depicts another example cassette adapter.

FIG. 12 depicts the cassette adapter of FIG. 11 with the cassette ofFIG. 6A installed therein.

FIG. 13 depicts a top view of the cassette and cassette adapter of FIG.12.

FIG. 14 depicts a rear perspective view of a further example of a patchpanel.

FIG. 15 depicts a plurality of cassettes and cassette adapters of FIG.12 installed in the further patch panel of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed cassette adapter solves or improves upon one or more ofthe above noted and/or other problems and disadvantages with priorcassette and patch panel systems. The disclosed cassette adapterfacilitates interchangeability between cassettes of one system withpatch panels of another system. The disclosed cassette adapter furtherfacilitates installation of high-density cassettes within a patch panelconfigured for low-density cassettes. These and other objects, features,and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts one example of a cassetteadapter 50 of the present invention. The cassette adapter 50 includes afront insert 52 and a rear insert 54. The cassette adapter 50 isconfigured to attach to one example of a patch panel 51 within ahigh-density fiber enclosure system.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict the front insert 52 of the cassette adapter ofFIG. 1. FIG. 2A depicts an isometric view of the top of the front insert52. FIG. 2B depicts an isometric view of the underside of the frontinsert 52. The front insert 52 includes a base 56. The base 56 includesa front 57, a rear 59, a first side 61, a second side 63, an uppersurface 65, and an underside surface 67. The base 56 is generallyrectangular with the first and second sides 61, 63 being longer than thefront 57 and rear 59. The upper surface 65 and underside surface 67 aregenerally planar.

As depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, two extended helms 58 are disposed nearthe front 57 of the base 56. One extended helm 58 resides one along thefirst side 61 and the other extended helm 58 resides along the secondside 63. The extended helms 58 include a first portion 68 that extendsaway from the underside surface 67. A second portion 69 of the extendedhelms 58 extend from the first portion 68 towards the rear 59 of thefront insert 52. The second portion 69 of the extended helms 58 aregenerally parallel with a plane of the underside surface 67 of the base56. The configuration of the extended helms 58 and the underside surface67 of the base 56 form catches 75.

FIGS. 2A and 2B also depict two shortened helms 60 near the rear 59 ofthe front insert 52. The shortened helms 60 reside near a center of thebase 56. The shortened helms 60 include a first portion 78 that extendsaway from the underside surface 67 and a second portion 79 that extendsfrom the first portion 78 towards the rear 59 of the front insert 52.The second portion 79 of the shortened helms 60 are generally parallelwith a plane of the underside surface 67 of the base 56. Theconfiguration of the shortened helms 60 and the underside surface 67 ofthe base 56 form catches 80.

Depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, near the rear 59 of the front insert 52 andbetween the shortened helms 60, is a snap finger 62. The snap finger 62includes an arm 64 and an engaging portion 66. The arm 64 of the snapfinger 62 resides within an opening 76 the base 56, between a plane ofthe upper surface 65 and a plane of the underside surface 67 of the base56. The arm 64 of the snap finger 62 is connected to the base 56 at afirst end. The arm 64 is an elongated member extending from the firstend towards the front 57 of the front insert 52. The engaging portion 66is connected to a second end of the arm 64.

The engaging portion 66 includes a first element that extends at anangle away from the arm 64 and underside surface 67 of the base 56. Theengaging portion 66 further includes a second element that extendstowards the front 57 of the base 56 generally parallel with theunderside 67. The second element of the engaging portion 66, is offsetfrom the underside surface 67 and configured to engage a connector ofthe rear insert 54.

As depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, disposed adjacent the snap finger 62, isa cutout 73. The cutout 73 is located in the rear 59 of the base 56. Thecutout 73 is rectangularly shaped and inset into the base 56.

Further depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B at the front 57 of the base 56 is aframe 70. The frame 70 includes a bottom segment 71 that is connectedwith the front 57 of the base 56. The bottom segment 71 extends awayfrom the underside surface 67 at generally a right angle. The bottomsegment 71 generally spans the width of the front 57 of the base 56.

At each end of the bottom segment 71 are mounting portions includingposts 72. The posts 72 are generally rectangularly shaped. The posts 72are connected to the bottom segment 71 at the distal ends and may residein the same plane as the bottom segment 71. The posts 72 extendvertically away from the bottom segment 71. An aperture 74 is located ineach of the posts 72. The aperture 74 is configured to accept a fastenerto mount the cassette adapter 50 to the patch panel 51.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict the rear insert 54 of the cassette adapter 50.FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the top of the rear insert 54 and FIG.3B is an isometric view of the underside of the rear insert 54. The rearinsert 54 includes a first side 103, front 105, rear 107, and secondside 109. The rear insert 54 includes a base 100 having a footprint thatis generally U-shaped. The overall length and width of the rear insert54 base 100 may be approximately the same length and width as the base56 of the front insert 52.

The rear insert 54 base 100 includes a first element 102 and a secondelement 104 as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B. First and second elements102, 104 may be provided as an elongated rectangular shape, extendingfrom approximately the front 105 of the base 100 to approximately therear 107 of the base 100. The first and second elements 102, 104 aremirrored elements. The first element 102 may be on the first side 103 ofthe base 100 and the second element 104 may be on the second side 109 ofthe base 100. First and second elements 102, 104 are connected by aconnecting element 106.

As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first and second elements 102, 104may each include centering channels 108 at the front 105 of the base100. The centering channels 108 include a V-shaped cutout 110 and anengagement cutout 112. The V-shaped cutout 110 is disposed within thefirst and second elements 102, 104 such that the widest portion openstowards the front 105 of the base 100. The V-shaped cutout 110 thennarrows as it extends into the base 100 towards the rear 107 of the base100. The narrowest portion of the V-shaped cutout 110 is connected withthe engagement cutout 112.

The engagement cutouts 112 are generally square shaped. The engagementcutouts 112 extend from the V-shaped cutout 110 towards the rear 107 ofthe rear insert 54. The engagement cutouts 112 are sized and shaped toaccept the extended helms 58 of the front insert 52.

As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, adjacent the engagement cutouts 112 ofthe centering channels 108 on each of the first and second elements 102,104 are front cassette retainers 120. The front cassette retainers 120are planar and extend down from the base 100 at approximately a rightangle. An upper slot 122 and a lower slot 124 are located within each ofthe front cassette retainers 120. Each of the upper slot 122 and lowerslot 124 are configured to retain a front post of a cassette as furtherdescribed below.

Connected to the front cassette retainers 120 are flanges 126. Asdepicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, the flanges 126 extend from the frontcassette retainers 120 horizontally at approximately a right angle. Aspace may exist between the flanges 126 on each of the first element 102and second element 104 to accommodate a fastener between the flanges126. The flanges 126 are configured to support the front insert 54against a faceplate of the patch panel 51.

FIGS. 3A and 3B further depict a pair of retaining guides 114 disposedon both the first element 102 and second element 104. As depicted inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the retaining guides 114 include a bend 116 and aplanar portion 118. The bend 116 includes a first end connected to thebase 100. The bend 116 is a radiused section between the base 100 andthe planar portion 118. The bend 116 extends along a portion of thelength of each of the first and second elements, 102, 104.

A first end of the planar portion 118 is connected to the second end ofthe bend 116. The planar portions 118 are generally rectangularly shapedand may be the same width as the bend 116. The planar portions 118transverse the length of the first and second elements, 102, 104.

As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 4, the planar portion 118 resides above eachof the first and second elements 102, 104 in a parallel orientationforming a slot 119. The slot 119 is configured to accept a portion ofthe base 56 of the front insert 52 disposed between the planar portion118 and respective first and second elements 102, 104.

As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, located at the rear 107 of each of thefirst and second elements 102, 104, are rear cassette retainers 128. Therear cassette retainers 128 include a base extension 129. The baseextension 129 is generally square shaped. The base extension 129 extendsfrom each of the first and second elements 102, 104. A portion of thebase extension 129 may extend beyond the first side 103 of the firstelement 102 and the second side of the second element 104, respectively.A second portion of the base extension 129 may extend beyond the rear107 portion of each of the first and second elements 102, 104. The baseextension 129 may be generally planar with the base 100.

A vertical portion 130 extends generally perpendicular from each of thebase extensions 129 of the rear cassette retainer 128. The verticalportion 130 is generally rectangular. Each of the vertical portions 130includes two openings, an upper opening 131 and a lower opening 132. Theupper and lower openings 131, 132 may be any shape that is configured tointeract with a rear post of a cassette as described below. A stop 136situated approximately midway along the length of the vertical portion130, and between the upper and lower openings.

The stop 136 includes an extension 138 and an engagement portion 140.The extension 138 is connected to the stop 136 at a first end. Theextension 138 extends laterally from the vertical portion 130 in anangled direction towards the front 105 and center of the base 100. Theengagement portion 140 is disposed at a second end of the extension 138.The engagement portion 140 extends from the second end of the extension138 towards the front 105 of the rear insert 54. The engagement portion140 is configured to contact a cassette installed in the rear insert 54as described fully below.

At the lower most portion of the vertical portion 130 is a lower flange134. The lower flange 134 extends from the vertical portion 130 atapproximately a right angle inwards towards a center line of the base100. The lower flange 134 is disposed below the base extension 129 in aspaced parallel relationship. The lower flange 134 may be generally thesame size and shape as the base extension 129. The area created betweenthe base extension 129 and lower flange 134 is configured to accommodatetwo cassettes in a stacked relationship when installed in the rearinsert 54.

As referred to above and depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first andsecond elements 102, 104 are joined by the connecting element 106. Theconnecting element 106 is generally rectangular with a first endconnected to the first element 102 and a second end connected to thesecond element 104. The connecting element 106 is generally planar withthe first and second elements 102, 104. Disposed along the length of theconnecting element 106 is a connector 142.

The connector 142 is joined to the connecting element 106 at a firstend. The connector 142 resides between the first and second elements102, 104. The location of the connector 142 on the connecting element106 creates engagement channels 143 between the connector 142 and thefirst element 102 and between the connector 142 and second element 104.

The connector 142 extends from the connecting element 106 towards thefront 105 of the rear insert 54. The connector 142 is tapered as itextends towards the front 105 of the rear insert 54. At the end of theconnector 142 is a fold 148. At the fold 148, a portion of the connector142 is folded over onto itself. The fold adds strength and creates a lip149. The lip 149 abuts a cut-out 150 in the connector 142. The cut-out150 is a through opening in the connector 142. The cut-out 150 isconfigured to interact with the snap finger 62 of the front insert 52.

Lastly, as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B on the side of the connectingelement 106 opposite the connector 142, is a pre-load finger 152. Thepre-load finger 152 is inset into the connecting element 106, extendingonly slightly beyond the outer edge of the connecting element 106. Thepre-load finger 152 is angled slightly away from the top of the base100. The pre-load finger 152 is configured to provide a force againstthe base 56 of the front insert 52. The pre-load finger 152 acts to pushthe base 100 of the rear insert 54 away from the base 56 of the frontinsert 52.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict the front insert 52 and rear insert 54 assembledtogether to form the cassette adapter 50. FIG. 5A depicts the cassetteadapter 50 in an installation orientation, whereas FIG. 5B depicts theunderside of the cassette adapter 50. To install the rear insert 54 tothe front insert 52, the front 105 of the rear insert 54 may be alignedwith the rear 59 of the front insert 52. Further, the first side 103 andsecond side 109 of the rear insert 52 may be aligned with the first side61 and second side 63 of the front insert 52, respectively. The rearinsert 54 may then be slid towards the front 57 of the front insert 52.

As depicted in FIG. 5A, the base 56 of the front insert 52 is retainedwithin each of the two slots 119 formed from the retaining guides 114.During assembly, the retaining guides 114 properly align first andsecond elements 102, 104 of the rear insert 54 with the front insert 52.

As depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the extended and shortened helms 58, 60engage the rear insert 54. The catches 75 of the extended helms 58 matewithin the engagement cut-outs 112 of the first and second elements 102,104. The extended helms 58 may be slightly smaller in width than thewidth of the engagement cut-outs 112 to allow the mating connection. Thecatches 80 of the shortened helms 60 mate within the engagement channels143 of the first and second elements 102, 104. The shortened helms 60may be slightly smaller in width than the width of the engagementchannels 143 to allow the mating connection. The extended and shortenedhelms 58, 60 facilitate a connection of the front insert 52 to the rearinsert 54.

During assembly, as the rear insert 54 slides forward, the extendedhelms 58 mate within the engagement cut-outs 112 of the first and secondelements 102, 104 and the shortened helms 60 of the front insert 52 matewithin the engagement channels 143 of the first and second elements 102,104.

Further, as the rear insert 54 slides forward, the snap finger 62 of thefront insert 52 flexes and travels over the fold 148 of the connector142. As the rear insert 54 continues to travel forward, the engagingportion 66 of the snap finger 62 drops into the cut-out 150. As depictedin FIG. 5B, the engaging portion 66 of the snap finger 62 is retainedwithin the cut-out 150. The retention of the snap finger 62 within thecut-out 150 works to maintain the rear insert 54 in place when installedinto the patch panel 51 and prevent the rear insert 54 from sliding outfrom the front insert 52.

The pre-load finger 152, depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, further provides aconnection between the front insert 52 and rear insert 54. The pre-loadfinger 152 acts a force against the base 56 of the front insert 52. Theangled portion enacts a force to push the base 100 of the rear insert 54away from the base 56 of the front insert 52.

The cassette adapter 50 as depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, is in aninterlocked position. The above described interactions and connectionsbetween the front insert 52 and rear insert 54 maintain the front insert52 and rear insert 54 in a fixed relationship. The rear insert 54 issupported by the front insert 52. The front insert 52 has roughly thesame footprint at the rear insert 54. In general, the rear insert 54mates to the underside surface 67 of the front insert 52.

The front insert 52 may also be disconnected from the rear insert 54. Auser may push up on the engaging portion 66 of the snap finger 62,forcing the engaging portion 66 out of the cut-out 150 of the connector142 of the rear insert 54. A user may then slide the rear insert 54 awayfrom the front 57 of the front insert 52. The rear insert 54 may be sliduntil the extended helms 58 disengage with the cut-outs 112 and theshortened helms 60 disengage with the engagement channels 143. The rearinsert 54 may then be removed from the front insert 52.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict an embodiment of an exemplar cassette for usewithin the invention Cassette 170 may have a cassette body 172. Thecassette body 172 is generally rectangularly shaped, and includes a base174, front 173, back 175, first side 176, and second side 178. The firstside 176 includes a first wall 180 that is attached at generally a rightangle to the base 174. The second side 178 includes a second side wall182 that is attached at generally a right angle to the base 174. Thecassette 170 may also include a cassette cover 173 which extendsparallel to the base 174 of the cassette body 172 from the first wall180 to the second wall 182.

Further depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, cassette 170 may have cassettefront posts 184 on each of the first and second sides 176, 178. Thecassette front posts 184 extend out at generally a right angle from eachthe first wall 180 and second wall 182. The cassette front posts 184 areconfigured to interact with the upper and lower slots 152, 154 of therear insert 54.

The cassette 170 may have cassette rear posts 186 on each of the firstand second sides 176, 178. The cassette 170 may have a cassette rearpost release latches 188 on each of the first and second sides 176, 178that includes a protrusion 190. The cassette rear post release latches188 are configured such that when the protrusion 190 is depressed, therelease latches 188 act on the cassette rear posts 186 to withdraw thecassette rear posts 186 inward. The cassette rear posts 186 areconfigured to interact with the upper and lower apertures 131, 132 ofthe rear insert 54.

As depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the cassette 170 may also include a MPOadapter 194 and a front LC mounting face 196. The MPO trunk adapter 194is located at the rear 175 of cassette body 172. The LC mounting face196 is located at the front 173 of the cassette body 172. The LCmounting face 196 includes mounting openings 197. The mounting openings197 may be used to mount LC adapters 198.

It is contemplated that other cassettes may be used within the cassetteadapter such as those cassettes described in U.S. application Ser. No.14/848,757, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety in thisapplication. It is further contemplated that different adapters may beutilized within the cassette 170, such as MPO-LC, MPO-MPO, MPO-LC SpliceCassette, and a MPO Fiber Access Panel.

FIG. 7 depicts the rear insert 54 with two installed cassettes. Asdepicted in FIG. 7, an upper cassette 230 and a lower cassette 232 aremounted into the rear insert 54. The depicted upper and lower cassettes230, 232 may be the same cassette 170 as depicted in 6A and 6B. Theupper cassette 230 mounts to an upper portion of the rear insert 54. Thelower cassette 232 mounts to a lower portion of the rear insert 54.

A user may install the cassette 170 by inserting the cassette frontposts 184 of the upper cassette 230 into the upper slot 122 of the rearinsert 54. A user may also depress the protrusion 190 of the uppercassette 230, causing the release latches 188 act on the cassette rearposts 186 to draw the cassette rear posts 186 inward. The cassette rearposts 186 of upper cassette 230 may then be inserted into the upperaperture 131 within the vertical rear cassette retainer 128.

Once installed, as depicted in FIG. 7, the cassette front posts 184 ofthe upper cassette 230 are retained within the upper slot 122 of therear insert 54. The cassette rear posts 186 of the upper cassette 230are retained within the upper aperture 131 within the vertical rearcassette retainer 128 of the rear insert 54.

Similarly, the cassette front posts 184 of the lower cassette 232 areinstalled and retained within the lower slot 124 of the rear insert 54as described above. The cassette rear posts 186 of the lower cassette232 are also installed and retained within the lower aperture 132 withinthe vertical rear cassette retainer 128 of the rear insert 54 asdescribed above.

Further depicted in FIG. 7, the stop 136 engages the two cassettes 230,232 in central position within the cassette adapter 50. The stop 136 isconfigured to restrict excessive motion of the cassettes 170 wheninstalled within the rear insert 54 and to prevent the cassettes 170from disengaging from the rear insert 54.

A user may also remove the cassettes 170 from the rear insert 54. A usermay depress the protrusion 190 of the upper cassette 232, causing therelease latches 188 to act on the cassette rear posts 186 to draw thecassette rear posts 186 inward and out of the respective upper aperture131 or lower aperture 132. The user may slide cassette front posts 184out of the installed upper slot 122 or lower slot 124 of the rear insert54. The cassette 170 may then be free of the rear insert 54 andremovable.

FIG. 8 depicts the front insert 52 disposed for installation into oneexample of a patch panel 51. The patch panel 51 depicted in FIG. 8 is a1 RU patch panel. The patch panel 51 includes a face plate 250, top sidewall 252, and bottom side wall 254. The top side wall 252 and bottomside wall 254 extend along a respective top and bottom edge of the faceplate 250. The top and bottom side walls 252, 254 being configured toreinforce the face plate 250. The face plate 250 includes an exteriorsurface 251 that faces the exterior of the rack.

As depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the face plate 250 is generallyrectangular. The face plate 250 includes a first end 256 and a secondend 258. The first end 256 and second end 258 are configured to overlayrails of a rack for attachment to the rack. At each of the first andsecond ends 256, 258 are attachment openings 260. The attachmentopenings 260 are configured to accept a fastener to attach the patchpanel 51 to a rack. Any suitable fastener may be used to secure thepatch panel 51 to a rack.

The face plate 250 depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9 includes panel attachmentopenings 262. The panel attachment openings 262 are generallyrectangular and sized and shaped to accept at least the front insert 52of the adapter 50. Disposed on each side of each of the panel attachment262 are insert attachment openings 263. The insert attachment openings263 are configured to mount the cassette adapter 50 to the patch panel51. The cassette adapter 50 may mount to the patch panel 51 using afastener 261. The fastener 261 is inserted through the front insert 52and through the attachment openings 263. The fastener 261 may include agrommet 264 and plunger 266 fastener such as a Nylatch Two-Piece PanelFastener.

The grommets 264 and plungers 266 are of a standard grommet/plungerconfiguration utilized as a fastener. The grommets 264 and plungers 266are configured to attach the front insert 52 to the patch panel 51. Thegrommets 264 are of a similar size and shape as the openings 74 in thefront frame 70 of the front insert 52 and the insert attachment openings262 in the patch panel 51. When the grommets 264 are inserted into therespective openings 74 of the front insert 52 and the insert attachmentopenings 263 in the patch panel 51, they loosely retain the front frame70 to the patch panel 51. The plungers 266 are configured to be insertedinto an opening of the grommet 264. Inserting the plunger 266 into thegrommet 264 expands the grommet 264 and removably attaches the frontinsert 52 to the patch panel 51. Any other suitable fastener may beutilized to removably secure the front insert 52 to the patch panel 51.

A user may insert the front insert 52 of the cassette adapter 50 intoone of the panel attachment openings 262 in the patch panel 51. Thefront insert 52 may be installed such that the front frame 70 of thefront insert 52 abuts the exterior surface 251 of the patch panel 51.The grommets 264 are then inserted into each of the correspondingopenings 74 of the front insert 52 and the insert attachment openings263 of the patch panel 51. The plungers 266 are then inserted into eachof grommets 264, extending through the front insert 52 and the patchpanel 51. The front insert 52 may be installed in this fashion so thatthe front insert 52 restricts rotation and permanent deflection duringuse, when connecting and disconnecting a cable to a cassette 170.

The front insert 52 may also be removed from the patch panel 51. Toremove the front insert 52, the fastener 261 is removed from the opening74 of the front insert and the opening 263 of the patch panel 51. Withthe fastener 261 removed, the front insert 52 may be removed from thepatch panel 51.

FIG. 10 depicts an alternative configuration of an alternative patchpanel 270 configuration. The patch panel 270 of FIG. 10 depicts twocassette adapters 50 and cassettes 170 installed in a 2 RU patch panel.In this configuration the cassette adapter 50 and attached cassettes 170may be installed one over another within the same attachment opening 262of the patch panel 270. Patch panel 270 is configured as the previouspatch panel 50, the difference being the 2 RU patch panel attachmentopenings 262.

The rear insert 54 is configured to accept the cassettes 170 with thecover 173 in the upward orientation or the base 174 in the upwardorientation. Further, cassettes with different configurations arecontemplated to be installed within the cassette adapter of the presentinvention. The rear insert 54 and installed upper cassette 230 and lowercassette 232 of FIG. 7, are configured to be inserted into the frontinsert 52 for installation into the patch panel 51.

The above example of the cassette adapter 50 depicted in FIGS. 1-10 isconfigured to install cassettes 170 into the patch panel within a rack.A user may install the cassette 170 via the cassette adapter 50 into anew or existing patch panel 51, 270 within a rack system. The adapter 50may be installed into a 1 RU, 2 RU or greater patch panel. It is alsocontemplated that the cassette adapter 50 may attach to other patchpanel configurations for installation of a cassette within a rack. Oncethe cassette adapter 50 with cassettes 170 is installed within a patchpanel, the cassette may be connected to the system or equipment withcables (not shown) for use in the data rack.

Depicted in FIGS. 11-15 is another example of the cassette adapter ofthe present invention. The cassette adapter 300 may be configured to beused with the cassette 170 discussed above or other cassetteconfigurations. The cassette adapter 300 is configured to install acassette 170 to an alternative patch panel where the cassette 170 is notconfigured to mount directly to the patch panel.

The cassette adapter 300 depicted in FIG. 11 includes a base 301. Thebase 301 includes a front 302, a rear 303, a first side 304, and asecond side 305. The base 301 is generally rectangular. The base 301 maybe formed to include a first portion 306, second portion 307, and athird portion 311.

The first portion 306 may be at the front 302 of the base 301. The thirdportion 311 may be at the rear 303 of the base 301. The second portion307 may be disposed between the first portion 306 and third portion 311.The first and third portions 306, 311 may be generally planar. Thesecond portion 307 may reside above the first and third portions 306,311. It is also contemplated that the first, second, and third portions306, 307, & 311 may reside on the same plane or be of any configurationto correspond with a base of a cassette to be inserted therein.

At the connection between the first portion 306 and the second portion307, the second portion 307 may be of a similar width as the firstportion 306. The second portion includes two chamfers 309. The chamfers309 are located on the second portion 307, adjacent the first portion306 and is on each of the first and second sides 304, 305 of the base.The chamfers 309 reduce the width of the second portion 307. The thirdportion 311 may be of a similar width as the second portion 307.

As depicted in FIG. 11, body ribs 308 extend across the length of thebase 301. The body ribs 308 are configured to provide strength down thelength of the base 301. The body ribs 308 are configured to enable thecassette adapter 300 to tolerate higher loads.

Referring to the first portion 306 of the base 301 as depicted in FIG.11, a front frame 320 is disposed at the front 302 of the base 301,along an edge of the first portion 306. The front frame 320 includesposts 322 disposed at the first and second sides 304, 305 of the firstportion 306. The posts 322 extend vertically up from the base 301. Theposts 322 are generally rectangular. A top bridge 324 may extendhorizontally between the two posts 322. The top bridge 324 connects thetwo posts 322. Support ribs 326 may extend down from the top bridge 324to the first portion 306. The support ribs 326 are configured to supportthe top bridge 324.

Connected to the posts 322 on each of the first and second side 304, 305is a mounting portion including side wall 328. The side wall 328 extendsalong the each of the first and second sides 304, 305, approximatelyhalf the length of the first portion 306. The side wall 328 extends upfrom the first portion 306 of the base 301 at generally a right angle.Located on an outside portion of each of the side walls 328 is an upperrail 332 and a lower rail 334.

The upper rail 332 extends the length of the upper portion of the sidewall 328. The lower rail 334 extends along the length of the side wall328 and continues along the entire first portion 306. The upper rail 332and lower rail 334 are configured to engage a channel in a backside of apatch panel to attach the adapter 300 to the patch panel.

Located on an internal portion of each of the side walls 328 is a fronttower 330. The front tower 330 extends up the side wall 328 from thebase 301. The front tower 330 is configured as a stop to prevent thecassette 170 from moving towards the front 302 farther than the locationof the front tower 330. The front tower 330 fixes the front 302 locationof the cassette 170 and corresponding elements.

At the end of each of the two side walls 328 opposite the posts 322, isa release latch 336. The release latch 336 is a cantilever beam 337having a hinge point 338, a latch tab 339, and a depressing tab 340. Therelease latch 336 extends from the side wall 328 towards the rear 303 ofthe base 301 extending above a portion of the first portion 306 and thesecond portion 307. As depicted in FIG. 11, the release latch 336roughly follows a parameter of the first and second sides 304, 305,including the chamfer 309 of the second portion 307.

The latch tab 339 may be a protrusion from the cantilever beam 337 ofthe release latch 336. When the depressing tab 340 is depressed inward,the latch tab 339 will move inward because the latch tab 339 is locatedbetween the hinge point 338 and the depressing tab 340. The latch tab339 is configured to engage a lip of a guide latch tab of a patch panelto maintain the cassette adapter 300 in the patch panel.

Referring to the second portion 307 of the base 301 as depicted in FIG.11, openings 310 may be formed within the base 301. The openings 310 areconfigured to allow a user to remove a cassette 170 installed within thecassette adapter 300.

Also depicted in FIG. 11, connected to each of the first and secondsides 304, 305 of the second portion 307 are latches 342. The latches342 include a vertical element 344 and a catch 346. The vertical element344 extends up from the base 301, at generally a right angle. The catch346 is located on top of the vertical elements 344. The catch 346 may bein the shape of a right triangular prism as depicted in FIG. 11. A link350 extends between the catches 341 on each of the first and secondsides 304, 305 of the base 301. The catch 346 is configured to retainthe cassette 170 in the cassette adapter 300 and prevent verticalmovement of the cassette 170. The catch 346 may be any shape orconfiguration sufficient to retain the cassette 170 within the cassetteadapter 300.

Lastly, referring to the third portion 311 of the base 301 as depictedin FIG. 11, the third portion 311 includes a latching mechanism definedby a rear tower 352 on each of the first and second sides 304, 305 ofthe base 301. The rear tower 352 extends up from the third portion 311of the base 301 at generally a right angle. The rear tower 352 includesa rear post support 354 and a rear post catch 356.

FIGS. 12 and 13 depict the cassette adapter 300 of FIG. 11 with thecassette 170 as described above in relation to FIGS. 6A and 6B mountedwithin. The cassette adapter 300 being slightly larger than the cassette170 to accept the cassette 170.

To install the cassette 170 into the patch panel 400, a user may installthe cassette 170 into the cassette adapter 300. The shuttered LCadapters 198 of the cassette 170 are positioned down at an angle withthe rear 175 of the cassette 170 being above the front 173. Theshuttered LC adapters 198 may then be slid under the top bridge 324 andthrough of the front frame 320. The rear 175 of the cassette 170 maythen be pushed down into the cassette adapter 170 until the base 174 ofthe cassette 170 rests upon the body ribs 308 of the base 301 across thefirst, second, and third portions 306, 307, and 311.

In the installed state, the shuttered LC adapters 198 of the cassette170 extend through the front frame 320 of the cassette adapter 300. Thelatches 342 on the first and second sides 304, 305 of the cassetteadapter 300 retain the cassette 170 within and prevent vertical movementof the cassette 170. As depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13, the cassette rearposts 186 rest upon the rear post supports 354 and abut the rear postcatches 356 of the rear tower 352. The rear post catches 356 prevent thecassette from movement towards the rear 303 of the cassette adapter 300.As depicted in FIG. 13, the cassette front posts 184 abut the fronttower 330, preventing the cassette from movement towards the front 302of the cassette adapter 300.

The cassette 170 may also be removed from the cassette adapter 300. Auser may push on the links 350 on each the first side 304 and secondside 305 causing the latches 342 to pivot away from the cassette 170.The latches 342 will then clear the cassette 170 and unlatch the catches346 from the cassette 170. A user may insert an object through theopenings 310 of the base 301 of the cassette adapter 300 and push on thecassette 170, forcing the rear 175 of the cassette 170 out of thecassette adapter 300. The user may slide the shuttered LC adapters 198out from underneath the front frame 320 and remove the cassette 170 fromthe cassette adapter 300.

FIGS. 14 and 15 depict a further example of a patch panel 400 for usewith the above described cassette adapter 300. The patch panel 400 ofFIGS. 14 and 15 includes a face plate 402, a top 404 and a bottom 406.The top 404 and bottom 406 extend along a respective top and bottom edgeof the face plate 402. The top 404 and bottom 406 of the patch panel 400are slightly shorter than the face plate 402. The top 404 and bottom 406are generally rectangular with planar surfaces. The top 404 and bottom406 may be the same size and shape.

The face plate 402 of the patch panel 400 is generally rectangular. Theface plate 402 includes a first end 408 and a second end 410. The firstend 408 and second end 410 are configured to overlay rails of a datarack for attachment to the data rack. Each of the first and second ends408, 410 include mounting apertures 412. The mounting apertures 412 areconfigured to accept a fastener to attach the patch panel 400 to a rack.Any suitable fastener may be used to secure the patch panel 400 to arack.

The face plate 402 depicted in FIG. 14 includes panel attachmentopenings 414. The panel attachment openings 414 are generallyrectangular and sized and shaped to accept at least a cassette 170mounted within the cassette adapter 300. As depicted in FIG. 14, theface plate 402 includes two rows of panel attachment openings 414.

As depicted in FIG. 14, the top 404, bottom 406, and face plate 402 ofthe patch panel 400 form a cavity 416. Within the cavity 416 are guides418 for affixing the cassette adapter 300 to the patch panel 400. Theguides 418 include a top 420, bottom 422, first side 424 and second side426. The top 420 and bottom 422 of the guide 418 attach to the top 404and bottom 406 of the patch panel 400. Guides 418 are disposed on eachlongitudinal side of the panel attachment openings 414. The patch panel400 depicted in FIG. 14 includes five guides 418, however, additional orfewer guides are contemplated.

On each of the first and second sides 424, 426 of the guides 418 are anupper channel 428 and a lower channel 430. The upper channel 428 alignswith the upper panel attachment opening 414 and the lower channel 430aligns with the lower panel attachment opening 414. At the end of eachof the of the upper and lower channels 428, 430 opposite the face plate402, are guide latch tabs 434. The guide latch tabs 434 are flexibletabs that extend outwardly from the guides 418. The guide latch tabs 434include a lip 436 that engages the latch tab 339 of the cassette adapter300 when installed into the patch panel 400. As depicted in FIG. 14, theupper and lower channels 428, 430 as well as the latch tabs 434 arelocated on both the first and second sides 424, 426 of the guides 418.

FIG. 15 depicts multiple cassette adapters 400 containing cassettes 170installed into the patch panel 400. Once the cassette 170 is installedinto the cassette adapter 400, the combination may be installed into thepatch panel 400. The cassette adapter 300 is aligned with one of theopenings 414 of the patch panel 400. The cassette adapter 300 isadvanced towards the selected opening 414 such that the upper rail 332and lower rail 334 of the cassette adapter 300 sidewall 328 engage theguides 418 on each side of the selected opening 414.

In the installed orientation, the upper rail 332 and lower rail 334 ofthe cassette adapter 300 sidewall 328 are retained within the upper andlower channels 428, 430 of the patch panel 400. As described above, thelip 436 of the guides 418 engages the latch tab 339 of the cassetteadapter 300 to fix the cassette adapter 400 within the respective upperor lower channels 428, 430. As depicted in FIG. 15, the cassettes 170are maintained within the panel attachment openings 414 of the patchpanel 400.

Once the cassette adapter 300 with the cassette 170 is installed withina patch panel, the cassette may be connected to the system or equipmentwith cables (not shown) for use in the data rack.

The cassette adapter 300 is also configured to be removable from thepatch panel 400 and for the cassette 170 to be removable from thecassette adapter 300. When the cassette adapter 300 is installed intothe patch panel 400, a user may remove the adapter by acting on eachdepressing tab 340 on each side of the cassette adapter 300, causing thelatch tab 339 to move inward and clear the latch tabs 434 of the guides418. The cassette adapter 300 may then be pulled away from the patchpanel 400. The cassette adapter 300 sidewall 328 is slid from upper andlower rails 332, 334 out of the installed upper channel 428 or lowerchannel 430 of the guides 418.

The above example of the cassette adapter 400 depicted in FIGS. 11-15 isconfigured to install the cassette 170 into the patch panel 400 asdepicted in FIGS. 14 and 15 within a rack. A user may install thecassette 170 via the cassette adapter 300 into a new or existing patchpanel within a rack system. The cassette adapter 300 may be installedinto a 1 RU, 2 RU, or greater patch panel.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousexamples. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may notbe drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may beexaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, thedisclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A data rack comprising: a first rail and asecond rail; a patch panel including a first rectangular opening withinthe patch panel and a second rectangular opening within the patch panel;wherein a first side of the patch panel is directly attached to thefirst rail and a second side of the patch panel is directly attached tothe second rail; a cassette adapter including a base comprising a firstsidewall including a first mounting portion and a second sidewallincluding a second mounting portion configured to slidably mount andlock to the patch panel, a first tower adjacent the first sidewall at afront end of a first side of the cassette adapter and a second tower ata rear end of the first side of the cassette adapter; a cassetteconfigured to be installed in the cassette adapter and including atfirst protrusion on a first side of the cassette and a second protrusionon the first side of the cassette, wherein movement of the cassette tothe front end and the rear end of the cassette adapter is restrained bythe first protrusion being disposed against the first tower and thesecond protrusion being disposed against the second tower; and wherein aportion of a front of the cassette extends through the first rectangularopening of the patch panel.
 2. The data rack of claim 1, where thecassette adapter further includes a third tower adjacent the secondsidewall at a front end of a second side of the cassette adapter and afourth tower at a rear end of the second side of the cassette adapter,and where the cassette further includes a third protrusion on a secondside of the cassette and a fourth protrusion on the second side of thecassette, wherein the third protrusion is disposed against the thirdtower and the fourth protrusion is disposed against the fourth tower. 3.The data rack of claim 1, the cassette adapter further comprising afirst latch on the first side of the cassette adapter and a second latchon the second side of the cassette adapter, wherein the first latch andthe second latch are configured to restrict vertical movement withrespect to the cassette adapter.
 4. The data rack of claim 1, whereinthe base of the cassette adapter includes at least one openingconfigured to allow for a force to be acted upon a bottom of thecassette to remove the cassette from the cassette adapter.
 5. The datarack of claim 2, wherein the third protrusion and forth protrusion ofthe cassette reside on release latches configured to releasably engagethe second tower and third tower of the cassette adapter.
 6. A method ofinstalling a cassette in a data rack, the method comprising: insertingthe cassette between a first sidewall and a second sidewall at a frontof a base of a cassette adapter; engaging a first protrusion on a firstside of the cassette with a first tower adjacent the first sidewall andengaging a second protrusion of the cassette with a second tower at arear of the cassette adapter; slidably attaching a first mountingportion and a second mounting portion the cassette adapter with a patchpanel such that a portion of the cassette extends through a firstrectangular opening in the patch panel; and engaging at least one latchof the cassette adapter on the first mounting portion with a guide ofthe patch panel.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising engaging athird protrusion on a second side of the cassette with a third toweradjacent the second sidewall and engaging a fourth protrusion of thecassette with a fourth tower at the rear of the cassette adapter.
 8. Themethod of claim 6 further comprising deflecting a first latch on thefirst side and a second latch on a second side of the cassette adapteruntil there is clearance between the first latch and second latch toaccept the cassette therebetween.